Here's a Florida reality that surprises out-of-state buyers: the thing most likely to blow up your closing isn't the title or the loan — it's the homeowners insurance. In today's market, insurers scrutinize older homes hard, and if they won't bind a policy, your lender won't fund. Understanding the 4-Point and Wind Mitigation inspections — and timing them right — keeps your deal alive.
- Florida insurers often require a 4-Point inspection (roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) on older homes.
- An old roof is the #1 reason coverage won't bind — which can stall or kill a closing.
- A Wind Mitigation inspection isn't required but earns big premium discounts.
- Order inspections and shop quotes at the contract stage, not the week of closing.
Why insurance holds up Florida closings
Your lender requires proof of insurance (a binder) before closing. But Florida insurers, wary of storm and claim risk, often won't issue a policy on an older home until it passes inspection. If the home fails, you can be days from closing with no insurance and no loan — the classic Florida closing emergency.
The 4-Point inspection
Required on many homes around 30 years or older, the 4-Point checks the four systems insurers care about: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. The #1 dealbreaker is roof age — many carriers won't write a roof beyond 15–20 years. A failed 4-Point can mean no coverage until repairs are made.
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The Wind Mitigation inspection
Not usually required to get coverage, but valuable: a Wind Mitigation inspection documents storm-resistant features (roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, opening protection) that can earn major premium discounts. In a state with high premiums, it often pays for itself many times over.
🏠 The fix is timing: order the 4-Point and Wind Mitigation and shop quotes at the contract stage — not the week of closing. Early knowledge means time to repair, renegotiate, or switch carriers.
Line up your coverage early
The buyers who close smoothly are the ones who treat insurance as a day-one task. Our sister company Divito Insurance can quote Florida homeowners, flood, and wind coverage early so a binder is ready when your closing is — and we coordinate it with your closing so nothing stalls at the finish line.
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Atlantic Title Firm keeps title and closing on track — and Divito Insurance can line up your coverage early so nothing stalls.
General information, not insurance advice. Carrier requirements and roof-age rules vary and change frequently in Florida; confirm current requirements with a licensed insurance agent. Divito Insurance is a separate affiliated agency.
